CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Virginia leaders and clean energy companies gathered Thursday, July 30, at Apex Clean Energy’s headquarters to mark a major expansion of the commonwealth’s shared solar program, following Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signing of bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering electricity bills and expanding access statewide.
The program allows people to subscribe to a community solar farm and receive credits on their electric bills — without installing panels on their own property. Shared solar already saves participating customers 10% or more on their monthly electricity bills, roughly $175 per year.
The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Scott Surovell and Del. Rip Sullivan, and it passed with bipartisan support in the Virginia General Assembly.
In Dominion Energy territory, SB 254 and HB 807 require 525 megawatts of new shared solar capacity by July 1, 2026 — more than double the original 200-megawatt program, which had been fully awarded across 52 projects. The bills include a dedicated portion for low-income subscribers and establish a process for future expansion overseen by the State Corporation Commission.
In Appalachian Power territory, SB 255 and HB 809 build on a 50-megawatt program launched in 2025 that was oversubscribed almost immediately. The bills establish consolidated billing and release an additional 50 megawatts by July 1, 2026, and another 50 megawatts by January 1, 2028.
The event featured a panel discussion on the progress of shared solar in Virginia, including the release of a new report from Aurora Energy Research. Virginia Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond, Energy Commission Executive Director Carrie Hearne, and representatives from Apex Clean Energy, Aurora Energy Research, and the Community Climate Collaborative were among those who attended
Brandon Smithwood, Vice President of Policy at Dimension Energy, led the panel and said the expansion triples the amount of shared solar capacity available.
“People can sign up to local solar projects that might be on a farmer’s back 40 or a warehouse roof and save about 10% every month,” Smithwood said.
Aurora Energy Research found the expansion could save utility customers more than $2.5 billion over 25 years — even for those who never sign up. The firm also flagged rising pressure on electric bills tied to PJM, the regional grid operator, saying shared solar is one of the few tools available to push those costs down.
Rosina Snow with the Local Energy Alliance Program said her organization is already helping people in the Charlottesville area enroll, including income-qualifying ratepayers.
“We definitely want to highlight that shared solar is now available for income qualifying folks and would encourage anyone to reach out to start the enrollment process,” Snow said.
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